Annual event returns with plenty of variety
SLIPPERY ROCK — Variety will be the big key to the 11th annual Slippery Rock VillageFest.
Jen Whitmoyer, an organizer, said the event, which is slated for Saturday, is designed to appeal to people of all ages.
“You will find something entertaining to do,” Whitmoyer said.
She said between 5,000 and 8,000 people will attend. The event will feature 115 vendors filling South Main Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additionally:
• Slippery Rock Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a 5K run at 8:30 a.m.
• The Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company will host a chicken barbecue fundraiser at the fire hall.
• The Slippery Rock Business Association will sponsor a cornhole tournament, with a grand prize of $200 and a second place prize of $100.
• Armstrong will sponsor an appearance by Dora the Explorer.
• Giant Eagle will sponsor the “kid’s zone” in Gateway Park, featuring rides and games, the David Lawrence magic show, face painting, photo and dunking booths, musical chairs with a top prize of $50, a hula hoop contest with a top prize of $50 and ice cream eating contests from 1 to 2 p.m. with a top prize of a $25 gift card.
• The event also will feature several musical acts and the Chris Clark bicycle stunt show.
• Butler Health System FastERcare will host a “rest area” in the driveway of NexTier Bank.
• On Sunday, the Slippery Rock Heritage Association will hold its 14th annual car cruise. This will close Main Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and fill it with cars.
This is the first year Whitmoyer is a head organizer. She said the former head organizer, Tom McPherson, left a good blueprint to help make the event go smoothly.
“We’re feeling extremely confident that the day is going to be absolutely fantastic,” Whitmoyer said.
The event is being held at the same time as Slippery Rock University’s Family and Friends Weekend, as is tradition.
Main Street will be closed between New Castle/Franklin streets and Cooper Street. The parking lot at Gateway Park will be closed and parking will not be permitted on Elm and Maple street.
Parking will be at SRU’s lower lots, and a shuttle will take people to the event.
For more information, visit www.slipperyrockpa.org/villagefest.
